Speeding Behind 40% of Crashes in Punta Cana's Province, Report Finds
Travelers heading to Punta Cana, Bávaro, and other destinations in the eastern Dominican Republic should be aware of a road safety concern that directly affects how visitors get around. According to Diario Libre, roughly 40 percent of all traffic accidents recorded in the province of La Altagracia are caused by drivers exceeding posted speed limits, making excessive speed the single largest contributor to crashes in the region.
What This Means for Visitors
La Altagracia is home to the country's busiest tourist corridor, including Punta Cana International Airport, the resort strip along Bávaro Beach, and the popular town of Higüey. With millions of visitors passing through each year in 2026, the roads connecting hotels, excursion sites, and the airport see heavy traffic from tour buses, taxis, rental cars, and motorbikes.
The figures reported by Diario Libre highlight that speeding is not an isolated issue but rather a daily risk on routes travelers commonly use, including the Coral Highway and the roads leading to Macao, Cap Cana, and Uvero Alto.
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you are planning to drive yourself during your stay, consider the following:
- Stick to posted limits. Speed signs are enforced, and conditions can change quickly due to pedestrians, scooters, and livestock near rural roads.
- Avoid driving at night. Lighting on secondary roads is limited, and visibility issues compound the risks tied to speeding drivers.
- Choose reputable transport. Licensed taxis, hotel shuttles, and well-known rideshare options are generally safer than informal alternatives.
- Buckle up in every seat. Seatbelt use is required by law and offers crucial protection in the event of a collision.
Local authorities in La Altagracia have been increasing traffic enforcement campaigns in response to these statistics, so visitors should also expect occasional checkpoints. Carrying your passport, driver's license, and rental documents at all times will help any roadside stop go smoothly.
For most travelers, the safest approach remains booking transfers through your resort or a licensed operator, leaving the driving to professionals familiar with local road conditions.